NFL Updates for the Fantasy Football 2009 Season

We are  two weeks into the NFL season, and to put it mildly, the Super bowl is still anybody’s game.  So far we’ve seen some old hands make it rain, some fresh blood showing that they have what it takes to win, and some disappointments drafted in the first or second round.  Fear not for your picks, we still have the bulk of the season ahead of us, and fantasy football leagues will have a lot more surprises.  Here’s a rundown of the best (and worst) of fantasy football news.

In Life and in Football, Experience Matters

The first few weeks have reminded us all why established players consistently rank as the top fantasy football players.  Drew Brees holds the #1 Quarterback spot for on NFL.com.  Now in his fourth year with the Saints, the man moves the ball quickly and confidently.  There’s no doubt that he was in control against Philadelphia, and he knows his assets (see Colston and Henderson).  Tom Brady didn’t perform as expected against the Jets, but by no means does that mean that he’s lost his touch.  My prediction is that he’ll have a very strong season.  Andre Johnson has never played better for the Houston Texans. And let’s not forget about Tony Gonzalez, the first Tight End in NFL-history to accrue more than 11,000 yards.  This man has fantasy football stud written all over him.

NFL Rookie Report

Some of the rookies and younger players are poised for a breakout season.  Denver may have a new star quarterback on their hands with Kyle Orton.  Now in his fifth year in the NFL, he’s quick to the snap and his accuracy looks solid.   Calvin Johnson is playing smart and skillfully for the Lions, but quarterback Matthew Stafford has a lot of work ahead of him.  The Minnesota Vikings are in-the-pocket with newcomer Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson.  Both Harvin and Peterson work well with Brett Favre, and the trio performed some notable power plays against the Browns and Lions.  No doubt we’ll be seeing more from them in the future.  And for best in defense, look to the Baltimore Ravens.  They shut down both Kansas City and San Diego with top-notch performances.

NFL Injury Updates

On the unfortunate side, let’s talk about the injuries.  Brian Urlacher is out for the season, which leaves Chicago with a lackluster defensive line.  They’ve been rebuilding their defense for the past two years.  Without Urlacher, it’s going to take some seriously creative coaching to help them hold their own against the top teams.  The Indianapolis Colts are feeling the same heat after losing Anthony Gonzalez.  The other wide receivers on the roster are mediocre at best, which leaves their passing game in deep waters.  And the Seattle Seahawks fare no better with their quarterback Matt Hassellbeck out with a broken rib.  They expect him back on the field soon, but in the meantime, we’ll probably see Seneca Williams starting.  Finally, Cowboys running back Marion Barber suffered a painful quadriceps strain that’s going to keep him on the bench for a minimum of two weeks.

All of these events early in the season will shape the eventual outcome of the Super Bowl, but what that outcome will be is anybody’s guess. Be sure and stay updated on NFL player news each week so you can make sound, successful decisions when it comes to your fantasy leagues and teams this year.